    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 2, 2004]
    [Pages 2933-2935]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Election Day and an Exchange With Reporters in Crawford,
    Texas
    November 2, 2004

        The President. It's such a wonderful feeling to vote. This election
    is in the hands of the people, and I feel very comfortable about that.
    The people know where I stand. I've enjoyed this campaign. It's been a
    fantastic experience traveling our country, talking about what I believe
    and where I'm going to lead this country for 4 more years. You know,
    there's just something refreshing about giving it your all and then
    saying the people will make the right decision. And I believe I'm going
    to win.
        Yes, Stretch [David Gregory, NBC News].

    2004 Election

        Q. Mr. President, I wonder why--why do you believe this election is
    this close?
        The President. Well, first of all, it's been a lot of issues we've
    debated, big issues of war and peace and the economy. I've got a
    philosophy everybody understands. I've got a clear view about how to
    lead. But we'll see how it goes tonight. You know I'm not a very good
    prognosticator. You're the pundit. You're the person who makes all the
    forecasts. And we'll see what the people say. That's where we are. Now
    is the time for the people to express their will.
        Yes, Scott [Scott Lindlaw, Associated Press].
        Q. Mr. President, any butterflies?
        The President. I don't. I know I've given it my all. I feel calm. I
    feel--I am confident that the people--in the judgment of the people. I'm
    one of these candidates, I feed off the enthusiasm of the people.
    Yesterday was an amazing day in my political life, did seven stops. The
    enthusiasm

    [[Page 2934]]

    was contagious. I'm so grateful for the thousands of people who have
    been working on my behalf and who are praying for me and Laura. It was a great day yesterday, and the whole campaign
    was a fantastic experience. I'm very comfortable that I got my message
    out. The people know where I stand. The people know I know how to lead.
    The people know I have a vision for the future of this country. And
    we're going to go one stop in Ohio to tell the volunteers thanks for
    their work, and we'll go back and wait--await the outcome.
        Q. Mr. President, what about all the passion in this country--I
    mean, you have generated so much passion both for you and against you.
    How do you account for that?
        The President. Well, I take that as a compliment. It means I'm
    willing to take a stand. A lot of politicians take positions, but they
    don't take a stand. I take a stand, and I tell people what I believe and
    what I think. These are very troubling times, and I believe a President
    must lead by being resolute and firm and strong and clear. And the
    people know that. That's why I'm comfortable about this election. I've
    given it my all, and more importantly, I have clarified the differences
    between what I believe and what my opponent
    believes.
        Any other questions besides Stretch? He seems to be dominating.
    [Laughter] Perhaps the rest of you are somewhat groggy. [Laughter]

    Central Issue of 2004 Election

        Q. Sir, what does it really come down for voters when they walk in
    the booth today? For American voters, what is the issue, what does it
    come down to?
        The President. The issue is, who do you trust? This is a campaign of
    trust. Who do you trust to secure this country? Who do you trust to lead
    with firmness and steadfast resolution, protect the American people? Who
    do you trust to adhere to the values, the values that most people agree
    with? And who do you trust to keep this economy growing?
        Q. And you trust the results will come out tonight?
        The President. Absolutely. I trust the judgment of the American
    people. I love our democracy, and I have got great faith in the wisdom
    of the people of this country.
        Big Stretch [Richard Keil, Bloomberg News].

    Closure on the 2004 Election

        Q. Does it feel to you like we'll know the results tonight? Or will
    it be a nail-biter like it was 4 years ago?
        The President. Well, of course, these are the pundits--there are
    pundits and prognosticators like you all. You're doing a fabulous job of
    speculating what may happen. My hope, of course, is that this election
    ends tonight. I think it's very important for it to end tonight. The
    world watches our great democracy function. There would be nothing
    better for our system for the election to be conclusively over tonight
    so that--I think it's going to be--so I can go on and lead this country
    and bring people together, set an agenda, which will be to make sure
    America is secure, expand our prosperity, and move forward and bring
    Republicans and Democrats together.
        Listen, we're off. I've enjoyed it. Thank you for your coverage.

    Senator John Kerry

        Q. Any words for Senator Kerry this morning?
        The President. I wish him all the best. You know, he and I are in
    the exact same position. We've given it our all, and I'm--I'm sure he is
    happy, like I am, that the campaign has come to a conclusion. All I can
    tell you is I know that I've put my full amount of energy in this
    campaign, and I've enjoyed it. And I am enthused, and I have been
    uplifted by the spirit of the--of our supporters and by the prayers of
    our supporters.
        Anyway, thank you all very much.

    [[Page 2935]]

    Note: The President spoke at 7:42 a.m. at the Crawford Fire Station. A
    tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.